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Dietary supplement

DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) 250 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Minor
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Minor

DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) 250 mg is a dietary supplement by NOW with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for memory and focus, mood and mental clarity, adhd-type symptoms.Based on those ingredients, 219 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated minor. The ingredients most likely to interact are DMAE. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) 250 mg by NOW

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains a single active ingredient: DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol), also called deanol, at 250 mg per capsule. The capsule also holds inactive ingredients — hypromellose, stearic acid, rice flour, and silicon dioxide — which serve as the capsule shell and fillers.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Deanol's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: healthy brain function and neurotransmitter production.
  • We looked for evidence on: Cognitive function, Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Memory, Mental clarity, Brain health.
  • The closest evidence on file: Deanol is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Deanol is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Cognitive function.

The evidence for DMAE is limited. For Alzheimer disease, the research shows it's likely ineffective.

For tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movement disorder), it's also likely ineffective. For aging skin, ADHD, and athletic performance, we don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether it works or doesn't.

If you're considering it for one of those reasons, talk it over with your doctor about what the current research actually supports.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Deanol

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

DMAE is generally well tolerated by some adults, but the safety data is limited and side effects do happen. The most common ones reported are abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting.

Other reported effects include constipation, headache, insomnia, confusion, and mood changes — and at higher doses (over 1000 mg daily), it has been linked to depression and mood swings in people with psychiatric conditions, and to worsening schizophrenia symptoms. Safety data in pregnancy is not provided in our files, so you'd need to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you if you're pregnant.

The data advises against use while breastfeeding because safety is unknown.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Deanol

Meds to double-check

Minor interactions only
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Minor only

Only Minor-severity interactions are documented for these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Deanol.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Minor.
  • For scale: 219 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take anticholinergic drugs (for overactive bladder, muscle spasms, or certain movement disorders) or cholinergic drugs (for myasthenia gravis or certain eye conditions), check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting DMAE. Both types may have their effects altered, though the risk is Minor.

Run your specific medications through the search tool below to be sure.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Only minor medication interactions are documented, and safety information is well characterized.

DMAE may appeal to someone looking for cognitive support, but the evidence doesn't back its use for Alzheimer disease or tardive dyskinesia — both rated likely ineffective. Before you start, check your medications (especially anticholinergic or cholinergic drugs) with your doctor or pharmacist, and watch for stomach upset and mood changes.

Talk it over with your own healthcare provider to decide if it's a fit for you.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 22, 2021.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) 250 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739030900
Net contents 100 Veg Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 22, 2021
DSLD ID 245739
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) 250 mg by NOW, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Veg Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Veg Capsule(s)
Servings per container
100
UPC/BARCODE
733739030900
IngredientAmount% DV
DMAE250 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Stearic Acid, Rice Flour, Silicon Dioxide

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: Take 1 capsule 1 to 3 times daily, preferably between meals.

Precautions

Do not exceed suggested dosage unless recommended by a physician.

Caution: For adults only.

Not to be used if pregnant/nursing or have epilepsy, bipolar condition, schizophrenia or Parkinson’s disease. Consult physician if taking medication or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Formulation

DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) is a natural amino alcohol that is found in minute quantities in the brain. It is generally regarded as a precursor to the essential nutrient choline, which is needed for the brain to produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in nerve signal transmission and healthy brain function.

Healthy Brain Function Supports Neurotransmitter Production

Vegetarian/Vegan

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients.

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Seals/Symbols

Non-GMO

Triangle K (Kosher)

GMP Quality Assured

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Formula

Triangle K (Kosher)

General Statements

General Health Family owned since 1968.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

See for yourself

DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) 250 mg by NOW label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) 250 mg by NOW

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Veg Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container100 Amounts shown are per serving.

DMAE

Interacts with
219 drugs
250 mg per serving Form: Dimethylaminoethanol Bitartrate

Deanol (DMAE) is a compound related to choline that is marketed for memory, focus, and mood, but solid human evidence for most of these uses is limite...

DMAE monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Stearic Acid, Rice Flour, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) 250 mg by NOW Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) 250 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
219Drugs
219 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

DMAE 219

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) 250 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

DMAE2 drug types · 219 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, deanol might decrease the effectiveness of anticholinergic drugs.
Deanol is thought to increase acetylcholine levels.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, deanol might increase the effects and adverse effects of cholinergic drugs.
Deanol is thought to increase acetylcholine levels.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) 250 mg, from the product label.

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW Foods
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) 250 mg by NOW: Common Questions

Does DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) 250 mg by NOW interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) 250 mg has a known interaction with 219 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) 250 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take DMAE while breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against it. Not enough is known about DMAE in breastmilk or its effects on a nursing infant, so it's best to avoid it while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're nursing and want to explore options.
Can I take DMAE while pregnant?
Safety data in pregnancy isn't on file for DMAE. There isn't enough information to say either way, so you'll need to discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist to decide what's right for your situation.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common ones are abdominal cramps and pain, diarrhea, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. Other reported effects include constipation, headache, insomnia, and mood changes. Higher doses (over 1000 mg daily) have been linked to depression and mood swings in people with psychiatric conditions.
Does DMAE actually work for ADHD?
There isn't enough reliable evidence in our data to say whether it helps with ADHD. If you're considering it for that reason, talk with your doctor about treatments that have stronger research behind them.
What exactly is DMAE?
DMAE, or dimethylaminoethanol, is a compound thought to raise acetylcholine — a chemical messenger in your brain involved in attention and memory. This capsule delivers 250 mg of it, along with capsule materials and fillers like rice flour.
Is DMAE safe?
DMAE seems to be tolerated by some adults, but the overall safety evidence is limited. Side effects do occur, and anyone with a psychiatric condition (especially schizophrenia) should be cautious because higher doses have been reported to worsen symptoms. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about whether it's right for you.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) 250 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) 250 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) 250 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 15 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Deanol 15 references
  1. Davies C, Maidment S, Hanley P, et al. Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE). HSE. Risk assessment document; EH72/2;1997. (TOXLINE).
  2. Re O. 2-Dimethylaminoethanol (deanol): a brief review of its clinical efficacy and postulated mechanism of action. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 1974;16:1238-42.
  3. Pieralisi G, Ripari P, Vecchiet L. Effects of a standardized ginseng extract combined with dimethylaminoethanol bitartrate, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements on physical performance during exercise. Clin Ther 1991;13:373-82.
  4. George J, Pridmore S, Aldous D. Double blind controlled trial of deanol in tardive dyskinesia. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 1981;15:68-71. PubMed
  5. Penovich P, Morgan JP, Kerzner B, et al. Double-blind evaluation of deanol in tardive dyskinesia. JAMA 1978;239:1997-8. DOI
  6. de Montigny C, Chouinard G, Annable L. Ineffectiveness of deanol in tardive dyskinesia: a placebo controlled study. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 1979;65:219-23. PubMed
  7. Lindeboom SF, Lakke JP. Deanol and physostigmine in the treatment of L-dopa-induced dyskinesias. Acta Neurol Scand 1978;58:134-8. PubMed
  8. Jus A, Villeneuve A, Gautier J, et al. Deanol, lithium and placebo in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. A double-blind crossover study. Neuropsychobiology 1978;4:140-9. PubMed
  9. Lewis JA, Young R. Deanol and methylphenidate in minimal brain dysfunction. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1975;17:534-40. PubMed
  10. Fisman M, Mersky H, Helmes E. Double-blind trial of 2-dimethylaminoethanol in Alzheimer's disease. Am J Psychiatry 1981;138:970-2. PubMed
  11. Ferris SH, Sathananthan G, Gershon S, et al. Senile dementia: treatment with deanol. J Am Geriatr Soc 1977;25:241-4. PubMed
  12. Haug BA, Holzgraefe M. Orofacial and respiratory tardive dyskinesia: potential side effects of 2-dimethylaminoethanol (deanol)? Eur Neurol 1991;31:423-5. PubMed
  13. Casey DE. Mood alterations during deanol therapy. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 1979;62:187-91. PubMed
  14. Sergio W. Use of DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) in the induction of lucid dreams. Med Hypotheses 1988;26:255-7. PubMed
  15. Osol A, Hoover JE, eds. Remington's Pharmaceutical Science, 15th ed. Easton, PA: Mack Publishing Company, 1975.

See these in context on the Deanol monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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